Bicam Approves P961-B DepEd Budget, Prioritizing Classrooms, Nutrition, Learning Materials, and Teacher Support

The bicameral conference committee of Congress has approved a P961-billion budget for the Department of Education (DepEd) under the proposed national budget, reaffirming education as the single largest allocation in government spending. The approved figure reflects lawmakers’ agreement to strengthen basic education through targeted investments in infrastructure, student welfare, learning resources, and teacher support.

A significant portion of the budget is directed toward addressing the country’s persistent classroom shortage. P85 billion has been allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, aimed at easing overcrowding, replacing dilapidated facilities, and improving learning environments across public schools nationwide. Legislators noted that improved infrastructure remains critical to raising education quality and ensuring student safety.

Student welfare programs also received notable funding. The bicameral panel allocated P25.6 billion for the School-Based Feeding Program, expanding efforts to address child malnutrition and improve school attendance and learning readiness, particularly among disadvantaged learners. In addition, P19.5 billion has been set aside for books and other instructional materials, intended to address shortages in textbooks and support the implementation of updated curricula.

Recognizing the central role of educators, the approved budget includes P8.4 billion for teachers’ benefits, supporting various forms of assistance and incentives aimed at improving morale, welfare, and retention in the public school system. Lawmakers emphasized that sustained investment in teachers is essential to the long-term success of education reforms.

With the bicameral approval completed, the DepEd budget now awaits final ratification and enactment. Education officials and legislators alike have stressed that the near-P1-trillion allocation reflects a firm commitment to strengthening the country’s basic education system and investing in the nation’s future.